Ajinkya Rahane urges Indian batters to be proactive against Sri Lanka

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has urged Indian batters to adopt an aggressive mindset against Sri Lanka’s spin attack in the upcoming two-Test series starting August 15 in Galle.

"I think in Sri Lanka, the first day wicket generally is very good. But being top of the bowler as a batsman is very important. That's what I have learned in Sri Lanka. You cannot be too defensive," Rahane told PTI in an interview organised by ETPL. fishroad-app.com

He added that Sri Lanka’s home advantage and capable spin unit demand tactical dominance from the visiting batters.

"You have to probably be more proactive because they will have spin-friendly wickets, and Sri Lanka do have decent spinners in their side. And again, a home team is always a tough team to beat. Whatever I've learned playing cricket for so many years, you can't take anyone for granted. So it's all about, I think, having your own game plan as an individual and being proactive. Even in Test cricket, it's going to be the key," he added.

Rahane also highlighted how modern Test cricket has transformed with players regularly employing sweeps, ramps, and reverse hits.

"The game has evolved massively. Talking about Test cricket, you see now a lot many T20 players do play in Test cricket as well. The scoop, the laps, switch hit, reverse sweep are being played and that too consistently. I think it is a very good thing," he said.

Rahane open to IPL mentorship role

Despite stepping away from international duty, the 38-year-old remains keen to continue playing while eyeing future opportunities in team management.

"I still have a few years. I still want to play cricket. I don't want to put any number, but I can still play cricket for, you know, how much a year I want because I try to keep myself really fit and that's what I have learned over the years. It helps you a lot," he said. "And that's why I'm playing this league, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). But again, mentoring any IPL team, I feel I'll be really good at it because the experience I have, I understand players' mentality really well."

(With inputs from PTI)

Colombo [Sri Lanka], August 8 (ANI): Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said he is ready to return to the country and face the court proceedings against him if the government provides assurances over his security.

Shakib, who has not returned to Bangladesh since May 2024, is currently in Sri Lanka representing Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League. He was among 147 people against whom charges were filed in connection with an alleged murder during the protests in Bangladesh last year.

“If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that’s needed to be done," Shakib told Reuters, as per Cricinfo. “I know I haven’t done anything. It’s a laughable case."

Shakib’s return to Bangladesh has remained complicated following his political association with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The all-rounder joined Hasina’s Awami League and became a member of parliament in the 2024 elections before leaving the country in May to participate in franchise cricket.

His appearance alongside Hasina at a press conference subsequently triggered criticism in Bangladesh. His house in Magura was also attacked.

Shakib defended his presence at the event, saying he was merely following instructions.

“Whatever the captain says, we follow her," he said. “I think they will decide it better, and we will follow the instructions given to us."

Bangladesh Sports Minister Aminul Haque, who had previously indicated that he would help fast-track Shakib’s cases, has since adopted a tougher stance following the incident.

“We were looking at things in a very flexible, very tolerant way," Haque said in a statement, according to Cricinfo. “After that (press conference), it doesn’t seem like there’s any room for that kind of thinking anymore."

“He has gotten to the stage with the dictator (Hasina), who is unlikely to return to the country. We were being tolerant about Shakib being a cricketer. Now that chance is gone. If he has to come, it has to be through the legal route," Haque added.

Shakib had previously expressed his desire to play a farewell series on home soil before ending his international career. The 39-year-old remains keen to continue playing but acknowledged that time is running out.

“I am feeling good, still enjoying the game, playing well also, but age is not on my side at this moment, so I cannot wait for too long," Shakib said.

Shakib’s comments come as he continues his career in franchise cricket, with a potential return to Bangladesh dependent on the legal proceedings and assurances regarding his safety. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Leh (Ladakh) [India], August 8 (ANI): The inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup delivered a fitting finale as the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team survived a stirring challenge from Leh Kings, securing a 6-5 victory to lift the tournament’s first-ever title at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.

Representing the best emerging talent from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, Leh Kings matched the nation’s most accomplished Ice Hockey team stride for stride in a breathtaking contest before eventually falling to a late winner, underlining the strength of the developmental pathway created under the Royal Enfield Social Mission. Padma Namgail struck the decisive goal in the closing moments, finishing off a pass from Phuntsog Namgail to cap a pulsating final played before a packed crowd, according to a press release.

Leh Kings made the brighter start, with Tsering Angchuk opening the scoring after converting Mushtaque Ahmad Giri’s precise assist. The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team responded almost immediately as Dorjay Angchuk restored parity from Phuntsog Namgail’s pass before Jigmath Kunzang scored another for the institutional side, converting Padma Namgail’s assist for a 2-1 lead, placing them ahead for the first time by the end of the opening period.

They stretched their advantage early in the second period when Rigzin Norboo finished off a move created by Stanzin Namgail to make it 3-1. Leh Kings, however, refused to back down. Inspired by Stanzin Angchok, who struck twice in quick succession with assists from Stanzin Lotus and Mushtaque Ahmad Giri, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League side battled back to draw level at 3-3.

Rigzin Norboo restored the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team’s lead with his second goal of the evening, only for Leh Kings to respond once again as Chamba Tsetan converted Tsering Angchuk’s assist to send the teams into the final period locked at 4-4.

Leh Kings completed a remarkable turnaround just 60 seconds into the third period as Stanzin Angchok completed a superb hat-trick to put his side 5-4 ahead. With their unbeaten record under threat, the title winners demonstrated the composure that has made them India’s benchmark in Ice Hockey. Jigmath Kunzang levelled the contest with his second goal of the night before Padma Namgail, assisted by Phuntsog Namgail, struck the decisive winner to seal a pulsating 6-5 victory and the inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup title.

The tournament’s individual honours reflected the quality on display throughout the week. The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team’s goalkeeper Sonam Tsetan was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament following a series of commanding performances, while Leh Kings forward Tsering Angchuk earned the Best Player of the Tournament award after an outstanding campaign.

The final perfectly validated the vision behind the Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup. Conceived as a competitive bridge between grassroots development and elite competition, the tournament gave the best players emerging from the Royal Enfield Social Mission’s developmental leagues an opportunity to test themselves against India’s strongest institutional teams. Leh Kings’ fearless performance against the eventual champions demonstrated just how rapidly the sport’s next generation is developing in the Himalayas.

The tournament, organised as part of the Royal Enfield Social Mission in collaboration with the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul & Spiti, brought together five teams competing in a round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the final. Leh Kings, Kargil Warriors and Spiti Titans were joined by the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team and the Central Ice Hockey Team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Vigyat Singh, Director at Eicher Group Foundation, said, “When we started this journey, Ice Hockey in the Himalayas was largely a winter pursuit. Today, the Challengers’ Cup taking place in August at Leh’s all-season artificial ice rink is a testament to how far the ecosystem has come. It is the coaches who train through the year, the referees who uphold the standards of the game, and the young athletes who show up every day to get better."

He further added, “Seeing these players go toe to toe with some of the best teams in the country reinforces why continued training and increased competitive exposure are so vital. This tournament is a celebration of that collective effort, and a reminder that building a sustainable sporting ecosystem is a long-term commitment we remain deeply invested in."

Beyond the matches themselves, the three regional teams also participated in dedicated on-ice training sessions from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM each day between August 1 and August 4, working alongside experienced coaches to sharpen their technical skills and tactical understanding throughout the tournament.

Tsewang Namgyal, Captain of the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team, said, “For us, playing in front of large crowds is something we are used to. But for the young players from Ladakh and Spiti, this kind of exposure can be life-changing. Holding the Challengers’ Cup during the peak tourism season meant these emerging athletes could showcase their talent to thousands of spectators, many of whom were watching Ice Hockey for the first time. That kind of visibility matters. It gives these players recognition, it brings attention to their journey, and it shows the world what Indian Ice Hockey is building in the Himalayas. Every team in this tournament, including ours, benefited from the energy that this timing and this stage created."

Designed as a new platform under the Royal Enfield Social Mission, the Challengers’ Cup gave emerging athletes from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League and Spiti Cup their first opportunity to test themselves against the country’s top institutional teams. Competing as the Leh Kings, Kargil Warriors, and Spiti Titans, these local players gained critical exposure to elite competition.

Hosted at Leh’s newly upgraded all-season artificial ice rink, the inaugural tournament marked a major milestone for Himalayan ice hockey. Held during peak summer, the six-day event drew over 15,000 spectators–introducing competitive ice hockey to global and domestic visitors for the first time while demonstrating how modern infrastructure can expand the sport beyond its traditional winter season.

Alongside the regional leagues, the tournament strengthens the player pathway and reflects Royal Enfield’s commitment–alongside the Ice Hockey Associations of Ladakh and Lahaul & Spiti–to building a sustainable, community-led sports ecosystem across the region. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

A leaked police dossier reportedly reveals Lionel Messi was the main target of multiple terror threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The documents detail alleged bomb threats, stalking incidents and online abuse aimed at players, referees and officials, while also describing heightened security measures involving Cristiano Ronaldo and several other high-profile figures throughout the tournament.

भारतीय टीम अभी श्रीलंका में है, जहां 2 मैचों की टेस्ट सीरीज खेली जानी है. पहला टेस्ट 15 अगस्त से गॉल इंटरनेशनल क्रिकेट स्टेडियम और दूसरा सिंहली स्पोर्ट्स क्लब स्टेडियम में 23 अगस्त से शुरू होगा. रविंद्र जडेजा अगर दोनों टेस्ट में खेलते हैं तो वह भारत के लिए सबसे ज्यादा इंटरनेशनल मैच खेलने वाले खिलाड़ियों की टॉप-10 में शामिल हो जाएंगे. वह वीरेंद्र सहवाग को पीछे छोड़ देंगे. देखें अभी लिस्ट में कौन-कहां पर है.

1. सचिन तेंदुलकर

क्रिकेट के भगवान कहे जाने वाले सचिन तेंदुलकर न सिर्फ भारत, बल्कि दुनिया में सबसे ज्यादा इंटरनेशनल मैच खेलने वाले खिलाड़ी हैं. उन्होंने कुल 664 मैच खेले हैं, जिसमें 34357 रन बनाए हैं. वह 100 इंटरनेशनल शतक लगाने वाले एकलौते बल्लेबाज हैं. उनके नाम 201 विकेट भी हैं.

2. विराट कोहली

लिस्ट में दूसरे नंबर पर विराट कोहली हैं, जिन्होंने 2008 से लेकर अभी तक भारत के लिए तीनों फॉर्मेट में 562 मैच खेले हैं. वह टेस्ट और टी20 से संन्यास ले चुके हैं और अभी सिर्फ वनडे फॉर्मेट में खेलते हैं. उनके इंटरनेशनल क्रिकेट में 28359 रन हैं. वह सबसे ज्यादा इंटरनेशनल शतक लगाने वाले दूसरे बल्लेबाज हैं, जो 85 शतक जड़ चुके हैं.

3. एमएस धोनी

एमएस धोनी ने 2004 से 2019 के बीच भारत के लिए 538 इंटरनेशनल मैच खेले, जिसमें 17266 रन बनाए. वह भारत के सबसे सफलतम कप्तानों में से एक हैं, जो टी20 और ओडीआई वर्ल्ड कप विनिंग कप्तान रहे हैं. उनके नाम इंटरनेशनल क्रिकेट में 16 शतक हैं.

यह भी पढ़ें- पिछले 10 महीने में 5वीं बार चोटिल हुए हैं शुभमन गिल, जानिए कब-क्या हुआ था

4. रोहित शर्मा

कोहली की तरह रोहित शर्मा भी अभी सिर्फ वनडे फॉर्मेट में खेलते हैं, वह लिस्ट में चौथे नंबर पर हैं. उन्होंने भारत के लिए अभी तक 514 मैच खेले हैं, जिसमें 20427 रन बनाए हैं. रोहित के नाम 51 शतक हैं.

5. राहुल द्रविड़

राहुल द्रविड़ ने भारत के लिए 509 इंटरनेशनल मैच खेले हैं, जिसमें 24208 रन बनाए हैं. द्रविड़ भारत के लिए 48 शतक लगा चुके हैं.

6. मोहम्मद अजहरुदीन

पूर्व कप्तान मोहम्मद अजहरुद्दीन लिस्ट में छठे नंबर पर हैं, जिन्होंने भारत के लिए 433 मैच खेले हैं. उन्होंने 15593 रन बनाए हैं, जिसमें 29 शतक शामिल हैं.

7. सौरव गांगुली

पूर्व कप्तान सौरव गांगुली भारत के लिए सबसे ज्यादा इंटरनेशनल मैच खेलने वालों की लिस्ट में सातवें नंबर पर हैं. गांगुली ने भारत के लिए कुल 424 मैच खेले हैं, जिसमें 18575 रन बनाए हैं. गांगुली ने भारत के लिए 38 शतक लगाए हैं.

8. अनिल कुंबले

आठवें नंबर पर अनिल कुंबले हैं, जिन्होंने अपने करियर में 403 इंटरनेशनल मैच खेले. वह भारत के सबसे महान गेंदबाजों में शुमार रहे, जो टीम इंडिया के हेड कोच भी बने.

यह भी पढ़ें- 'स्किल होना अलग बात है लेकिन उसमें...' वैभव सूर्यवंशी को लेकर धवन की भविष्यवाणी

9. युवराज सिंह

सिक्सर किंग नाम से मशहूर युवराज सिंह लिस्ट में नौवें नंबर पर हैं, जिन्होंने भारत के लिए 402 इंटरनेशनल मैच खेले. उनके नाम 11778 रन हैं, उन्होंने 17 शतक जड़े.

10. वीरेंद्र सहवाग

वीरेंद्र सहवाग 374 मैचों के साथ लिस्ट में 10वें नंबर पर हैं. उन्होंने भारत के लिए 17253 रन बनाए, 38 शतक जड़े. हालांकि अगर रविंद्र जडेजा श्रीलंका के खिलाफ दोनों टेस्ट खेलते हैं तो 375 मैचों के साथ लिस्ट में 10वें स्थान पर पहुंच जाएंगे. अभी जडेजा ने भारत के लिए 373 मैच खेले हैं.